An English-taught master's in global health at the University of Milan - the first international Global Health master's in Italy, also offered online.
What is a master's in global health in Italy?
A master's in global health in Italy is an English-taught postgraduate degree - usually one to two years - that builds advanced expertise in global health. It is open to graduates with a relevant bachelor's degree, and leads to global health, international NGOs, public health and health policy.
Global Health at a glance
| Degree | Master's degree (MSc) |
|---|---|
| Field | Global health |
| Language | English |
| Typical duration | usually one to two years |
| Location | Italy |
| Universities | University of Milan |
Why Italy?
Italy combines world-famous universities with genuinely English-taught postgraduate options - the University of Milan and SDA Bocconi among them - often at modest cost.
About this programme
The Master in Global Health at the University of Milan was the first international global-health master's established in Italy, taught in English and also offered online.
It tackles health challenges at a population and global scale - the social and environmental determinants of health, epidemiology, health systems and policy, and how to design responses to global health problems.
It suits medical and health-science graduates aiming for careers in global health, international NGOs, public health and policy.
Course structure & how it works
A taught master's in global health in Italy is usually one to two years. It combines taught modules - covering areas such as global health and the determinants of health, epidemiology and health data, health systems and policy - with an independent research project or dissertation, typically worth 60-120 credits (ECTS). Most programmes start in September or October, and some universities also run a January intake. Teaching, assessment and supervision are all in English.
What you'll typically study
Programmes like this generally cover the areas below. The exact modules are set by University of Milan and confirmed each intake.
- Global health and the determinants of health
- Epidemiology and health data
- Health systems and policy
- Global health challenges and responses
- Research methods in global health
Entry requirements
To apply for a master's in global health in Italy, you'll typically need:
- A relevant bachelor's degree - usually a good second class (about 60%+ in an Indian degree)
- Proof of English, typically IELTS 6.5-7.0 or equivalent (sometimes waived for English-medium degrees)
- Official academic transcripts and your degree certificate
- A statement of purpose setting out your goals
- Two references (letters of recommendation)
- A CV; some programmes value relevant clinical or research experience
Requirements vary by university and intake - we confirm the exact criteria for your shortlist, free.
How to apply - step by step
- 1Shortlist - we match your background and budget to the right universities in Italy.
- 2Prepare your documents - transcripts, English test, statement of purpose and references.
- 3Apply to your chosen universities (applications go directly to each university, often on a rolling basis).
- 4Receive and accept your offer, and pay any deposit to hold your place.
- 5Apply for your student visa, then arrange travel, insurance and accommodation.
- 6Enrol and begin your master's.
Who it's for
Medical and health-science graduates aiming for global-health, NGO, public-health or policy careers.
Where it leads
Global health, international NGOs, public health and health policy.
Fees, funding & careers in Italy
Tuition & fees
Public universities are often modest and income-assessed (ISEE); Bocconi and private schools cost more. PhD positions are frequently funded. Confirmed per programme.
Scholarships & funding
Regional 'right-to-study' (DSU) grants, university scholarships, Erasmus Mundus, and funded PhDs.
Job opportunities
Opens global-health, biotech, research and healthcare-management roles, with prestigious qualifications and EU mobility.
Opens global-health, biotech, research and healthcare-management careers, with prestigious, internationally recognised qualifications and EU mobility.
Entry & English
Entry is typically a relevant bachelor's degree plus proof of English (usually around IELTS 6.5). Exact prerequisites, fees and start dates are set by the university each intake - we confirm them for your profile before you apply.
These are taught postgraduate (master's / PhD) programmes in health and medical sciences - for research, public health, health management and academic careers. They are not clinical specialisation / residency, which in Europe is conducted in the national language and is largely restricted for non-EU doctors. For clinical PG, most Indian doctors return to India via NEET-PG.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a master's in global health in Italy?+
A master's in global health in Italy takes usually one to two years. A master's combines taught modules with a research project or dissertation.
Is a master's in global health in Italy taught in English?+
Yes - it is delivered fully in English. English-medium schooling or an IELTS/TOEFL score (around 6.5) usually satisfies the language requirement.
Can I become a specialist doctor (cardiologist, surgeon, radiologist...) with this degree?+
No. Clinical specialisation - cardiology, surgery, radiology, psychiatry, paediatrics and the rest - is achieved through specialist (residency) training in hospital training posts, governed by the national medical council, not through a taught master's. This taught master's degree builds research and academic expertise in global health and related fields; it does not grant a licence to practise as a specialist. For clinical specialisation, most Indian doctors train in India via NEET-PG.
How much does a master's in global health in Italy cost?+
Public universities are often modest and income-assessed (ISEE); Bocconi and private schools cost more. PhD positions are frequently funded. Confirmed per programme. We confirm the exact figure for your shortlisted programme before you apply.
Are scholarships available for a master's in global health in Italy?+
Regional 'right-to-study' (DSU) grants, university scholarships, Erasmus Mundus, and funded PhDs.
Can I work in Italy after a master's in global health in Italy?+
Opens global-health, biotech, research and healthcare-management roles, with prestigious qualifications and EU mobility.
How is a master's in global health in Italy structured?+
It combines taught modules with an independent research project or dissertation. A taught master's is usually one to two years, worth roughly 60-120 credits (ECTS), usually starting in September/October (some universities also run a January intake). You'll typically cover global health and the determinants of health, epidemiology and health data, health systems and policy, then complete a supervised project.
What are the entry requirements for a master's in global health in Italy in Italy?+
Typically a relevant bachelor's degree - a good second class (roughly 60%+ in an Indian degree) - plus proof of English (usually IELTS 6.5-7.0), academic transcripts, a statement of purpose and references. Medical and health-science graduates aiming for global-health, NGO, public-health or policy careers. Exact prerequisites are set per university each intake, and we confirm the current requirements for your profile.
How do I apply for a master's in global health in Italy in Italy, and when?+
You apply directly to the university. Start about 9-12 months ahead: shortlist programmes, prepare your transcripts, English test and statement of purpose, then apply - many universities admit on a rolling basis until places fill. We manage the shortlist, applications and timeline with you.
Is a postgraduate degree from Italy recognised in India?+
Yes - it is a recognised European qualification, valued for academic, research and health-sector careers. It does not by itself grant clinical registration in India (that follows the separate NMC/DCI route). We explain exactly how this degree fits your goals before you commit.
What careers can a master's in global health in Italy lead to?+
Global health, international NGOs, public health and health policy. We help you plan the route - academic, clinical-academic, industry or a PhD - that fits your goals.
Interested in this programme?
Tell us your background and we'll check your eligibility and confirm the current fees, entry requirements and intake dates - free and honest.